System for making wallboard or backerboard sheets including aerated concrete

ABSTRACT

A system for making wallboard or backerboard sheets may include a mixer for mixing materials for making aerated concrete, at least one face layer supply, and a former downstream from the mixer. The former is for forming core material having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, and for securing at least one face layer from the at least one face layer supply onto at least one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material. The system may also include a cutter downstream from the former for cutting the core material and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitious backerboard, for example. In one class of embodiments, the former may further include an autoclave for curing the core material prior to securing the at least one face layer thereto. In another class, the former may further include an autoclave for curing the core material after securing the at least one face layer thereto.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon U.S. provisional patentapplication serial no. 60/158,172 filed Oct. 67, 1999, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, thepresent application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication ser. no. 09/684,848 filed Oct. 6, 2000 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,416,619.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing constructionproducts, and, more particularly, to systems for making lightweight,high-strength, fire-resistant wallboard sheet, and/or moisture-resistantbackerboard sheets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wallboard sheets are widely used in building construction to formpartitions or walls of rooms, elevator shafts, stair wells, ceilings,etc. The sheets are typically fastened to a suitable supportingframework. The seams between sheets are covered to provide an even wallsurface. The sheets may be readily cut to size by first scoring the facesheet, and then snapping the board about the score line. The wall maythen be painted or covered with a decorative wall covering, if desired.Such wallboard sheets created from a gypsum core with outer face layersof paper, sometimes referred to as gypsum board or drywall, are wellknown.

Gypsum wallboard is typically manufactured by delivering a slurry orpaste containing crushed gypsum rock onto a moving sheet of facing paperto which a second or top paper layer is then added to form a long boardline. The board line permits the slurry to harden before being cut. Thecut panels are heated in a kiln, before being packaged for storage andshipping.

Typically, such sheets are ½ or ⅝ inch thick and in conventional sizesof 4×8 feet, such a gypsum wallboard sheet may weigh about 55-70 pounds.Accordingly, handling of such gypsum wallboards presents a significanttask for construction personnel or wallboard “hangers”, particularlywhen such boards are secured overhead to form a ceiling. In addition,the fire resistance, thermal insulation and sound absorbing propertiesof conventional gypsum wallboard sheets may not be sufficient for someapplications.

Another variation of gypsum wallboard is water-resistant drywall or“greenboard”. The greenboard typically includes the same gypsum core,but includes a water-resistant facing so the water is less likely topenetrate, stain and/or decay the wall. Greenboard is typically used forwalls in a moist or humid environment, such as a bathroom, for example.Such greenboard is not typically recommended as an underlayment for tilein the bathroom, for example, since water may penetrate the grout or(tracks between adjacent tiles and deteriorate the greenboard. U.S. Pat.No. 5,552,187 to Green et al. discloses the addition of a fibrousmat-faced gypsum board coated with a water-resistant resinous coatingfor greater durability in moist environments.

Yet another related conventional wallboard product to serve as anunderlayment for wet areas is the concrete backerboard. For example,UTIL-A-CRETE® Backerboard from Bonsal is a precast cementitiousbackboard with glass mesh reinformcement. The board includes portlandcement, fiber glass mesh and lightweight aggregate. The backerboard ismore adapted to be used in areas subject to splashing or high moisture.

While the glass mesh face layers are typically secured to the surface ofthe backerboard after the core has been precast, continuous productionis also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,386 to Ensminger et al. Inaddition, the mesh or reinforcing layers have also been embedded in thefaces and edges of the backerboards.

Unfortunately, conventional cementitious backerboards may be moredifficult to score and break to size. Moreover, since the backerboardsinclude a core of cement, their density is considerably greater thaneven conventional gypsum wallboard. Accordingly, manufacturers may offerthe backerboards in smaller sizes to be more readily handled by theinstaller, but such increases seams between sheets and also increasescosts of installation. A typically-sized 4 foot by 8 foot sheet canweigh well over 100 pounds, which is very unwieldy especially inconfined spaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of theinvention to provide a system for making wallboard or backerboard sheetswhich are relatively lightweight, strong, and which have good fireresistance, thermal insulation, and sound absorbing properties.

This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a system for making wallboard orbackerboard sheets comprising a mixer for mixing materials for makingaerated concrete, at least one face layer supply, and a formerdownstream from the mixer. The former is for forming core materialhaving opposing first and second major surfaces and comprising aeratedconcrete, and for securing at least one face layer from the at least oneface layer supply onto at least one of the first and second majorsurfaces of the core material. The system may also include a cutterdownstream from the former for cutting the core material and at leastone face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard orbackerboard sheets. The provision of aerated concrete for the coreprovides many key advantages over conventional gypsum wallboard sheets,and/or conventional backerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard orcementitious backerboard, for example.

In one class of embodiments, the former may further include an autoclavefor curing the core material prior to securing the at least one facelayer thereto. In another class, the former may further include anautoclave for curing the core material after securing the at least oneface layer thereto.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the system, the formermay include a mold downstream from the mixer for receiving the materialsfor making aerated concrete therein and allowing the materials to riseand stiffen into a body. The former may also include the autoclavedownstream from the mold for curing the body, and a divider downstreamfrom the autoclave for dividing the cured body into a plurality of curedsheets to serve as the core material.

In this embodiment, the former may further comprise a conveyor and asheet handler cooperating therewith for joining a plurality of the curedsheets together in end-to-end relation while advancing the cured sheetsalong a path of travel. The former may also secure the at least one facelayer while the cured sheets are advanced along the path of travel.

In accordance with another embodiment, the former may comprise a molddownstream from the mixer, a divider downstream from the mold fordividing the body into a plurality of uncured sheets, and the autoclavedownstream from the divider for curing the uncured sheets to serve asthe core material. In this embodiment as well, the former may furthercomprise a conveyor and a sheet handler cooperating therewith forjoining a plurality of the cured sheets together in end-to-end relationwhile advancing the cured sheets along a path of travel. The former mayalso secure the at least one face layer while the cured sheets areadvanced along the path of travel.

In yet another embodiment, the former may comprise the mold, and thedivider downstream from the mold. However, the uncured sheets may serveas the core material to which the at least one face layer is secured.Accordingly, the autoclave may be downstream from the divider, andpreferably, after the cutter.

Still another embodiment of the system provides for near continuousproduction. In this embodiment, the former may comprise a dispenser anda conveyor cooperating therewith for dispensing the materials for makingaerated concrete adjacent at least one face layer as the at least oneface layer is advanced along a path of travel, and the autoclavedownstream from the dispenser for curing the materials for makingaerated concrete. The autoclave may preferably be after the cutter, forexample.

In any of the embodiments, the former may secure first and second facelayers on respective first and second major surfaces of the corematerial. For wallboard sheets, the at least one face layer supply maycomprise at least one paper face layer supply. For backerboard sheets,the at least one face layer supply preferably comprises at least onemoisture-resistant face layer supply.

The former may also include a bevel shaper for forming the first majorsurface of the core material to have beveled portions adjacentrespective opposing longitudinal side edges. The former may also includean edge wrapper for securing the at least one face layer to extendaround the opposing longitudinal side edges. In addition, the system mayalso include a reinforcing fiber supply cooperating with the mixer foradding reinforcing fibers to the materials for making aerated concrete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a portion of a wall structure includingthe wallboard and/or backerboard in accordance with the presentinvention with various layers removed for clarity of explanation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wallboard sheet as can be used in thewall structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a side edge of thewallboard sheet as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wallboard sheetas can be used in the wall structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a beveled portion ofthe wallboard sheet as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a backerboard sheet as can be used inthe wall structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a side edge of thebackerboard sheet as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a backerboardsheet as can be used in the wall structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view through a beveled portion ofthe backerboard sheet as shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for a first embodiment of a method for makingwallboard and/or backerboard sheets in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a second embodiment of a method for makingwallboard and/or backerboard sheets in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for a third embodiment of a method for makingwallboard and/or backerboard sheets in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for a fourth embodiment of a method for makingwallboard and/or backerboard sheets in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a system for making wallboardand/or backerboard sheets in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 15 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a former embodiment forthe system as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a more detailed schematic diagram of an alternative portionof the former embodiment as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a more detailed schematic of another former embodiment andvariation thereof for the system of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a more detailed schematic of still another former embodimentand variation thereof for the system of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime and multiple primenotation are used in alternate embodiments to indicate similar elements.

The present invention is based, at least in part, upon the recognitionof the various shortcomings of prior art gypsum wallboard and/orcementitious backerboard sheets, and the further recognition that theuse of aerated concrete as the core material overcomes a number of theshortcomings. As it is also known autoclaved aerated concrete is ahigh-quality, load-bearing, as well as insulating building materialproduced in a wide range of product sizes and strengths. The materialhas been used successfully in Europe and is now among widely used wallbuilding materials in Europe with increasing market shares in othercountries.

Aerated concrete is a steam cured mixture of sand or pulverized fuelash, cement, lime and an aeration agent. High pressure steam curing inan autoclave produces a physically and chemically stable product with anaverage density being about one fifth that of normal concrete. Thematerial includes non-connecting air cells, and this gives aeratedconcrete some of it its unique and advantageous properties. Aeratedconcrete enjoys good strength, low weight, good thermal insulationproperties, good sound deadening properties, and has a high resistanceto fire.

Aerated concrete may be used in the form of panels or individualbuilding blocks. It has been used for residences; commercial, industrialand agricultural buildings; schools; hospitals; etc. and is a goodmaterial in most all climates. Panels or blocks may be joined togetherusing common mortar or thin set glue mortar or adhesive. Aeratedconcrete has durability similar to conventional concrete or stone and aworkability perhaps better than wood. The material can be cut or sawnand readily receives expandable fasteners. Aerated concrete has athermal insulation six to ten times better than conventional concrete.The material is also non-rotting, non-toxic and resistant to termites.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,211 to Svanholm, for example,aerated concrete may typically be produced as follows. One or severalsilica containing materials, such as sand, shale ashes or similarmaterials, as well as one or more calcareous binders, such as limeand/or cement, are mixed with a rising or aeration agent. The aerationagent typically includes aluminum powder which reacts with water todevelop hydrogen gas at the same time a mass of what can be considered acalcium silicate hydrate forms. The development of hydrogen gas givesthe mass macroporosity. The rising mass is typically contained within amold. After rising, the mass is permitted to stiffen in the mold forminga semiplastic body which has low strength, but which will keep togetherafter removal from the mold.

After a desired degree of stiffness is achieved and the body is removedfrom the mold, the body may typically be divided or cut by wires intoseparate elements having the desired shape, such as building blocks orlarger building panels. The divided body is positioned in an autoclavewhere it is steam cured at high pressure and high temperature to obtainsuitable strength. The body is then advanced to a separation stationwhere the adjacent building blocks or panels are separated from oneanother. The blocks are packaged, such as onto pallets for storage andtransportation.

Referring now initially to FIGS. 1-5 a wallboard sheet 30 in accordancewith the present invention is now described. The wallboard sheet 30 maybe used to form part or all of an interior wall structure, such as theright hand portion of the wall structure 25 (FIG. 1). Of course, thewallboard sheet 30 could be used for ceilings, interior partitions,elevator shafts, etc, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart. The wall structure 25 will typically include a frame 26 formed ofhorizontal and vertical wall studs or members, 27, 28, respectively, towhich the wallboard sheets 30 are secured by suitable fasteners and/oradhesive.

The wallboard sheet 30 includes a core 40 having opposing first andsecond major surfaces 40 a, 40 b, respectively, and at least one facelayer on at least one of the first and second major surfaces of thecore. The core 40 includes aerated concrete. The provision of aeratedconcrete for the core provides many key advantages over conventionalwallboard sheets, such as gypsum wallboard, for example. The core 40 maybe produced from a mixture of Portland cement, quick lime, sand,aluminum powder and water, although at least some of the sand andperhaps some of the quick lime can be replaced by flyash. In general,the flyash may be used as at least a partial replacement for sand in themix, but flyash, depending on its composition, may react with thealuminum powder in a manner similar to quick lime to produce themicro-cellular bubbles in the expanded aerated concrete.

In the first embodiment of the wallboard sheet 30, both first and secondface layers 42 a, 42 b, respectively, are adhesively secured to theopposing first and second major surfaces 40 a, 40 b of the core 40 viarespective adhesive layers 43 a, 43 b. In other embodiments, theadhesive may be incorporated into the face layers and/or the surfaceportion of the aerated concrete core as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. One or both of the face layers 42 a, 42 b maycomprise paper, having colors and/or weights, for example, similar toconventional gypsum wallboard paper.

The core 40 and hence the wallboard sheet 30 may have a generallyrectangular shape defining a pair of opposing side edges 31 a, 31 b,respectively, and a pair of opposing end edges 32 a, 32 b, respectively.The first face layer 42 a may extend around the opposing side edges 31a, 31 b as shown perhaps best in the enlarged cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3. In addition, the opposing end edges 32 a, 32 b of the core maybe exposed (FIG. 2). If desired, a tape, not shown, may be provided onthe opposing ends 32 a, 32 b as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art.

The aerated concrete core 40 may have a relatively low density in arange of about 25 to 40 lbs./ft.³ The core 40 and hence the sheet 30, aswell, may also have a thickness T in a range of about ¼ to 1 inch, awidth W in a range of about three to five feet, and a length L in arange of about five to sixteen feet. Accordingly, even a 1 inch thick, 4foot by 8 foot wallboard sheet 30 may have a relatively low total weightof about 60 pounds.

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of the wallboard sheet30′ shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, other aspects of the invention are nowexplained. The illustrated wallboard sheet 30′ includes beveled portions35 a, 35 b formed on the first major surface 40 a′ of the core 40′adjacent respective opposing side edges 31 a′, 31 b′. The beveledportions 35 a, 35 b may facilitate the receipt of taping and jointcompound to cover the joints between adjacent sheets 30′ in the finishedwall structure.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 5, the illustrated embodiment of thewallboard sheet 30′ also includes only a single face layer 42 a′,although in other embodiments, a second face layer may be applied aswell. In addition, the illustrated embodiment of the core 40′ includesschematically illustrated reinforcing fibers 46. The fibers 46 may beprovided by a fibrous material, such as cellulose or other natural orsynthetic fibers, including fiberglass, metal or other materials, toimpart strength to the core and reduce the relative brittleness of theaerated concrete.

Another aspect of the wallboard sheet 30′ is that it includes a jointschematically illustrated by the dashed line 37 extending across thewidth of the sheet as may be formed during the manufacturing thereof andas will be explained in greater detail herein. The joint 37 can bestronger than the adjacent core material, and without compromising theability to score and snap break the wallboard sheet 30′ as convenientlyas with conventional gypsum wallboard. Stated slightly differently, someembodiments of the wallboard sheet 30′ may include first and secondportions on opposite sides of the joint 37 aligned in end-to-endrelation at respective opposing edges thereof, and an adhesive layer maybe used to join the opposing edges of the first and second portionstogether.

The other elements of the wallboard sheet 30′ indicated with primenotation and not specifically mentioned are similar to those elementsdescribed above with reference to the wallboard sheet 30 describedabove. Accordingly, these elements need no further discussion herein.Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the various featuresof the embodiments of the wallboard sheets 30, 30′ can be mixed and/orsubstituted in yet further embodiments of the invention.

Because of the relative light weight of the wallboard sheets 30, 30′including aerated concrete, shipping, handling, and installation at ajob site are facilitated. In addition, the substitution of aeratedconcrete for gypsum, for example, also offers the advantages ofincreased fire resistance, thermal insulation, sound deadening, andother properties in a wall structure formed by fastening the aeratedconcrete wallboard sheets to a suitable building frame.

Returning again briefly to FIG. 1 and additionally to FIGS. 6-9, abackerboard sheet 60 in accordance with the present invention is nowdescribed. More particularly, as shown in the left hand portion of FIG.1, the backerboard sheets 60 may be used where the wall is likely to beexposed to splashing water or moisture, such as a bathroom, and otherindoor areas as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Thebackerboard sheet 60 is also typically used as an underlayment substratefor decorative area tile 50 and/or border tile 51 as shown in the lefthand portion of FIG. 1. Adjacent ones of the tiles 50, 51 typicallyinclude grout lines 52, 53 therebetween through which moisture maypenetrate. In addition, cracks may form in the grout lines or the tilesthemselves through which moisture may also penetrate.

Conventional gypsum greenboard or cementitious sheets for suchhigh-moisture applications suffer a number of significant shortcomingsand disadvantages as highlighted in the background of the inventionsection above. The backerboard sheet 60 including a core 70 comprisingaerated concrete, and at least one moisture-resistant face layerovercomes these shortcomings and disadvantages.

In the first illustrated embodiment of the backerboard sheet 60, bothfirst and second moisture-resistant face-layers 72 a, 72 b,respectively, are secured to the opposing first and second majorsurfaces 70 a, 70 b of the core 70. Each moisture resistant face layer72 a, 72 b illustratively includes a woven fiber mesh 74 a, 74 bincorporated into a respective resin layer 73 a, 73 b. The fibers mayinclude at least one of glass, plastic, and metal. Themoisture-resistant face layer may have other constructions and be formedof different moisture-resistant materials, such as those commonly usedfor cementitious backerboard, and others as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. For example, moisture resistant face layers includenylon, aramid resin, or metal fibers as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,221,386 may also be used, and the entire contents of this patent areincorporated herein by reference.

The core 70 and hence the backerboard sheet 60 may also have a generallyrectangular shape defining a pair of opposing side edges 61 a, 61 b,respectively, and a pair of opposing end edges 62 a, 62 b, respectively.The first face layer 72 a may also extend around the opposing side edges61 a, 61 b as shown perhaps best in the enlarged cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7. In addition, the opposing end edges 72 a, 72 b of the core maybe exposed (FIG. 6). If desired, a tape, not shown, may be provided onthe opposing ends 62 a, 62 b as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art. In addition, the aerated concrete core 70 may have the samecharacteristics and sizes as mentioned above with respect to thewallboard sheets 30, 30′, for example.

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of the backerboardsheet 60′ shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, other aspects of the invention are nowexplained. The illustrated backerboard sheet 60′ includes beveledportions 65 a, 65 b formed on the first major surface 70 a′ of the core70′ adjacent respective opposing side edges 61 a′, 61 b′. The beveledportions 65 a, 65 b may facilitate the receipt of taping and sealing orjoint compound to cover the joints between adjacent sheets 60′ in thefinished wall structure.

As perhaps best shown in FIG. 9, the illustrated embodiment of thebackerboard sheet 60′ also includes only a single moisture-resistantface layer 72 a′, although in other embodiments, a second face layer maybe applied as well. The moisture-resistant face layer 72 a′ is alsoillustratively directly secured to the core 70, although an incorporatedresin or adhesive may be used in other embodiments.

The illustrated embodiment of the core 70′ includes schematicallyillustrated reinforcing fibers 76. The fibers 76 may be provided by afibrous material, such as cellulose or other natural or syntheticfibers, including fiberglass, metal or other materials, to impartstrength to the core and reduce the relative brittleness of the aeratedconcrete. The fibers may also be desirably selected to avoid attractingor retaining moisture.

Another aspect of the backerboard 60′, similar to the wallboard 30′discussed above, is that it includes a joint schematically illustratedby the dashed line 67 extending across the width of the sheet as may beformed during the manufacturing thereof and as will be explained ingreater detail herein. The joint 67 can also be stronger than theadjacent core material, and without compromising the ability to scoreand snap break the backerboard sheet 60′. In other words, thebackerboard sheet 60′ may include first and second portions on oppositesides of the joint 67 aligned in end-to-end relation at respectiveopposing edges thereof, and an adhesive layer may be used to join theopposing edges of the first and second portions together.

The other elements of the backerboard sheet 60′ indicated with primenotation and not specifically mentioned are similar to those elementsdescribed above with reference to the backerboard sheet 60 describedabove. Accordingly, these elements need no further discussion herein.Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the various featuresof the embodiments of the wallboard sheets 60, 60′ can be mixed and/orsubstituted in yet further embodiments of the invention. Because of therelative light weight of the backerboard sheets 60, 60′ includingaerated concrete, shipping, handling, and installation at a job site arefacilitated.

Turning now additionally to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10-13 various methodaspects for making the wallboard and/or backerboard sheets in accordancewith the invention are now described. The method may include formingcore material having opposing first and second major surfaces andcomprising aerated concrete, securing at least one face layer on atleast one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material,and cutting the core material and at least one face layer securedthereto into a plurality of wallboard or backerboard sheets. Theprovision of aerated concrete for the core provides many key advantagesover conventional gypsum wallboard sheets, and/or conventionalbackerboard sheets, such as gypsum greenboard or cementitiousbackerboard, for example.

In one class of embodiments, the method may further comprise curing thecore material prior to securing the at least one face layer thereto. Inanother class, the method may further comprise curing the core materialafter securing the at least one face layer thereto.

Referring now to the flowchart of FIG. 10, a particularly advantageousembodiment is described wherein curing is performed before adding the atleast one face layer. In particular, from the start (Block 100), thematerials for making aerated concrete are mixed and dispensed into asuitable mold at Block 102. The materials are permitted to rise andstiffen into a body (Block 104), and the body may then be removed fromthe mold (Block 106). The body having a size of about twenty feet inlength, four feet in height, and two feet in width is cured at Block108, such as by positioning in an autoclave as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. The one or more face layers can then besecured to the cured sheets of the core material at Block 110.Thereafter, the core material with the face layer(s) secured thereto canbe cut to the desired lengths to form the wallboard or backerboardsheets at Block 112 before packaging/shipping (Block 114) and stoppingor ending the method at Block 116.

In other words, in this embodiment forming the core material comprisesdispensing materials for making aerated concrete into a mold andallowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body, curing the body,and dividing the cured body into a plurality of cured sheets to serve asthe core material. The plurality of the cured sheets may be joinedtogether in end-to-end relation while advancing the cured sheets along apath of travel. In addition, securing the at least one face layer may beperformed while the cured sheets are advanced along the path of travel.

A variation of this method embodiment is now explained with reference tothe flowchart of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, prime notation is used toindicate similar steps which need no further explanation. In accordancewith the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, the body is divided intosheets at Block 105, and is then cured at Block 107. Thereafter, thecured sheets are used as the core material and to which the facelayer(s) are secured as described above. This embodiment may offer theadvantage of slightly easier cutting of the body, since it has not beenfully cured; however, the ultimate dimensional accuracy of the sheetsmay be less compared to first curing the body and then cutting the bodyinto cured sheets. Of course, a combination of some cutting or shapingbefore curing and further cutting or shaping after curing are alsocontemplated by the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to the flow charts of FIGS. 12 and 13,the second class of method embodiments, wherein the one or more facelayers are added before final curing, are now described. It is notedthat final curing using a conventional autoclave may place relativelydifficult requirements on the characteristics of the face layers interms of temperature resistance and/or abrasion resistance. Accordingly,manufacturing speed or efficiency may need to be considered in view ofthe increased face layer material costs as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

The first embodiment is now described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 12. From the start (Block 130), the materials for making aeratedconcrete are mixed and dispensed into a suitable mold at Block 132. Thematerials are permitted to rise and stiffen into a body (Block 134), andthe body may then be removed from the mold and divided into uncuredsheets (Block 136). The one or more face layers may be secured to theuncured sheets at Block 138, which can then be cured (Block 140), beforebeing cut into desired lengths at Block 142. The final sheets may bepackaged and shipped at Block 144 before stopping or ending the methodat Block 146. Of course, the final curing could also be performed priorto the cutting into individual sheets as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

Referring now to the flowchart of FIG. 13, yet another embodiment of themethod is now described. This embodiment is directed to a morecontinuous manufacturing operation. More particularly, from the start(Block 150) the materials for making aerated concrete are dispensed inslurry form onto at least one face layer (Block 152), typically as theface layer is advanced along a conveyor, for example. The slurry mayalternatively be dispensed onto a surface, e.g. a stainless steelsurface, instead of directly onto the face layer. The dwell time on theconveyor may desirably be sufficient to allow the materials to rise andstiffen, and optionally cured, (Block 154) before cutting into finallengths (Block 156). Thereafter, the sheets may be packaged and shippedat Block 158 before stopping (Block 160). Of course in otherembodiments, it is also possible to cut the core material before finalcuring. This may be especially desirably where conventional autoclavecuring is performed which may require a relatively long dwell time inthe heated chamber. However, other curing techniques, such as theaddition of microwave radiation are also contemplated which may providefor near continuous curing of the core material as will also beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Of course, in all of the specifically described and contemplated methodembodiments, the securing of the at least one face layer may comprisesecuring first and second face layers on respective first and secondmajor surfaces of the core material. The at least one face layer maycomprise paper, such as for a wallboard. Alternately, the at least oneface layer may be moisture-resistant for a backerboard. Forming may alsoinclude forming the first major surface of the core material to havebeveled portions adjacent respective opposing longitudinal side edges.In addition, the at least one face layer may be secured to extend aroundthe opposing longitudinal side edges by the use of simple edge wrappingguides, for example. The core material may also be formed withreinforcing fibers in the aerated concrete.

Turning now additionally to FIGS. 14-18 various aspects of a system formaking the wallboard and/or backerboard including aerated concrete inaccordance with the invention are now described. Starting with theoverall simplified schematic diagram of FIG. 14 an illustratedembodiment of the system 200 is now described. The system 200 includes amixer 210 for mixing materials for making aerated concrete. The mixer210 is supplied with the starting materials for making aerated concretefrom the cement supply 201, the sand (ash) supply 202, the water supply203, the aluminum or other aeration agent supply 204, the lime supply205, and the optional reinforcing fiber supply 206. The system alsoillustratively includes at least one face layer supply 215, a former 220downstream from the mixer 210 and connected to the face layer supply215. A cutter 225 is provided downstream from the former 220. And anoptional packager 230 is provided, such as to package the wallboard orbackerboard sheets onto pallets for shipping, for example.

The former 220 is for forming core material having opposing first andsecond major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, and for securingat least one face layer from the at least one face layer supply 215 ontoat least one of the first and second major surfaces of the corematerial. As described below, in one class of embodiments, the former220 may further include an autoclave for curing the core material priorto securing the at least one face layer thereto. In another class, theformer may further include an autoclave or other curing apparatus forcuring the core material after securing the at least one face layerthereto.

One particularly advantageous embodiment of the system will now beexplained with reference to the more detailed schematic diagram of theformer 220 as shown in FIG. 15. More particularly, the illustratedembodiment of the former 220 may include a mold 240 downstream from themixer for receiving the materials for making aerated concrete thereinand allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body 242. Theformer 220 also includes the autoclave 243 downstream from the mold 240for curing the body 242. Of course, the system would also include thenecessary material handling mechanisms and apparatus to remove the body242 and position it as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The former 220 also includes a divider downstream from the autoclave fordividing the cured body 242 into a plurality of cured sheets to serve asthe core material. One or more band saws 245, for example, could be usedto slice the cured body 242 into a plurality of cured sheets 244. Othertypes of saws could also be used.

The former 220 may also include a conveyor 247 and a sheet handler 246cooperating therewith for joining a plurality of the cured sheets 244together in end-to-end relation while advancing the cured sheets along apath of travel on the conveyor. Alternatively, the cured sheets 244 maynot be joined together, but may have already been cut in desireddimensions. The schematically illustrated end-to-end joiner 250 canprovide the adhesive, alignment and compressive forces, if needed toinsure a quality joint. Downstream from the joiner 250, a trim/bevelstation 252 can be used to trim the upper and/or side surfaces of thesheets, and also to form the desired beveled sides if desired.

Both the joiner 250 and trim/bevel station 252 can be readily made fromconventional equipment and need no further discussion herein. What isnoted, however, is that the aerated concrete is readily workable unlikeconventional concrete, for example. A waste collection system may alsobe provided to collect and recycle trimmed or cut material from theaerated concrete as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Downstream from the trim/bevel station 252, the former 220 alsoillustratively includes a securing station 253 to apply the one or moreface layers from the appropriate supplies 254, 255. This securingstation 253 can use conventional layer handling, guiding rolls, etc. toattach the at least one face layer while the cured sheets 244 areadvanced along the path of travel. The securing station 253 can alsoinclude the necessary guides and rolls to roll a face layer around thelongitudinal side edges as described above.

Turning now briefly to FIG. 16 a variation of the former embodimentdescribed above will now be described. In this embodiment of the former220′, the body 242′ is cut or divided into sheets 244′ beforepositioning in the autoclave 243′. As discussed above, while the cuttingmay be somewhat easier, and a more simple wire saw 249 may be used, theresulting dimensions of the sheets may not be as accurate. Thisembodiment does, however, avoid the need for higher temperaturecompatible/resistant face layers. Of course, combinations of pre-cureand post-cure shaping of the core material may also be used.

Turning now more particularly to FIG. 17 another variation or embodimentof a former 220″ is now described. In this embodiment, the face layersfrom the supplies 2541″, 255″ are added downstream from dividing thebody 242″ into uncured sheets 244″ but before positioning in theautoclave 243″ for curing. As noted above this may increase therequirements and costs for the face layers, but may provide increasedmanufacturing efficiencies as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art. As shown, uncured sheets 244″ may also be passed through cutter225″ prior to the autoclave 243″. Of course, the various core shapingoperations may also be performed on the uncured sheets to form bevelededges, etc.

A further embodiment of the former 220′″ is described with reference toFIG. 18. This embodiment of the system may provide for near continuousproduction. In this embodiment, the former 220′″ may comprise a slurrydispenser (and spreader) 260 and a conveyor 247′″ cooperating therewithfor dispensing the materials for making aerated concrete adjacent atleast one face layer, such as from supply 254′″, as the at least oneface layer is advanced along a path of travel. The securing station253′″ secures the second face layer from the supply 255′″ and may wrapthe edges in the illustrated embodiment. Again, the slurry may also bedispensed directly onto a surface, such as a stainless steel surface,instead of onto the at least one face layer, with the first and secondface layers being secured by the securing station 253′″ thereafter. Inthis embodiment, the autoclave or other curing station 243′″ isdownstream from the dispenser for curing the materials for makingaerated concrete. The autoclave 243′″ may preferably be after the cutter225′″, for example, but the autoclave or other curing device may bepositioned along the conveyor 247′″. Typically, curing takes between 4and 12 hours at a temperature of about 165° C. and pressure of about 150psi. It is expected that the time from pouring the mixture onto theconveyor to cutting the sheet into final lengths will vary between 20and 50 minutes depending on the relative percentage of cement, lime andaluminum.

In any of the embodiments, the former may secure first and second facelayers on respective first and second major surfaces of the corematerial. For wallboard sheets, the at least one face layer supply maycomprise at least one paper face layer supply. For backerboard sheets,the at least one face layer supply preferably comprises at least onemoisture-resistant face layer supply.

Other related concepts and features are disclosed in the followingcopending patent applications filed concurrently herewith and assignedto the assignee of the present invention and are entitled WALLBOARDSHEET INCLUDING AERATED CONCRETE CORE, attorney work docket number64901; METHOD FOR MAKING WALLBOARD OR BACKERBOARD SHEETS INCLUDINGAERATED CONCRETE, attorney work docket number 64906; and BACKERBOARDSHEET INCLUDING AERATED CONCRETE CORE, attorney work docket number64908, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference.

It is also contemplated that the wallboard and backerboard sheetsdescribed herein may be produced without the face layers if sufficientstrength and surface smoothness can be obtained by use of the fibrousfiller material alone, for example. However, it is recognized that anyfiller material will add weight and that the volume of fibrous materialis a trade off with weight and strength or flexibility. Thus, it may bedesirable to use just enough fibrous material to produce some slightflexibility without addressing surface smoothing. Accordingly, manymodifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to themind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that othermodifications and embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A system for making wallboard orbackerboard sheets comprising: a mixer for mixing materials for makingaerated concrete; at least one face layer supply; a former downstreamfrom said mixer for forming core material having opposing first andsecond major surfaces and comprising aerated concrete, and for securingat least one face layer from said at least one face layer supply onto atleast one of the first and second major surfaces of the core material,said former comprising a mold downstream from said mixer for receivingthe materials for making aerated concrete therein and allowing thematerials to rise and stiffen into a body; an autoclave downstream fromsaid mold for curing the body, a divider downstream from said autoclavefor dividing the cured body into a plurality of cured sheets to serve asthe core material; and a conveyor and a sheet handler cooperatingtherewith for joining a plurality of the cured sheets together inend-to-end relation while advancing the cured sheets along a path oftravel; and a cutter downstream from said former for cutting the corematerial and at least one face layer secured thereto into a plurality ofwallboard or backerboard sheets.
 2. A system according to claim 1wherein said former secures the at least one face layer while the curedsheets are advanced along the path of travel.
 3. A system according toclaim 2 wherein said former secures first and second face layers onrespective first and second major surfaces of the core material.
 4. Asystem according to claim 1 wherein said at least one face layer supplycomprises at least one paper face layer supply.
 5. A system according toclaim 1 wherein said at least one face layer supply comprises at leastone moisture-resistant face layer supply.
 6. A system according to claim1 wherein said former comprises a bevel shaper for forming the firstmajor surface of the core material to have beveled portions adjacentrespective opposing longitudinal side edges.
 7. A system according toclaim 1 wherein said former further comprises an edge wrapper forsecuring the at least one face layer to extend around the opposinglongitudinal side edges.
 8. A system according to claim 1 furthercomprising a reinforcing fiber supply cooperating with said mixer foradding reinforcing fibers to the materials for making aerated concrete.9. A system for making wallboard or backerboard sheets comprising: amixer for mixing materials for making aerated concrete; at least oneface layer supply; a former downstream from said mixer for forming corematerial having opposing first and second major surfaces and comprisingaerated concrete, and for securing at least one face layer from said atleast one face layer supply onto at least one of the first and secondmajor surfaces of the core material, said former comprising a molddownstream from said mixer for receiving the materials for makingaerated concrete therein and allowing the materials to rise and stiffeninto a body, and a divider downstream from said mold for dividing thebody into a plurality of uncured sheets to serve as the core material towhich the at least one face layer is secured, an autoclave downstreamfrom said divider for curing the uncured sheets, and a conveyor and asheet handler cooperating therewith for positioning a plurality of thecured sheets together in end-to-end relation while advancing the curedsheets along a path of travel; and a cutter along the path of travel anddownstream from said divider for cutting the core material and at leastone face layer secured thereto into a plurality of wallboard orbackerboard sheets.
 10. A system according to claim 9 wherein saidformer secures first and second face layers on respective first andsecond major surfaces of the core material.
 11. A system according toclaim 9 wherein said at least one face layer supply comprises at leastone paper face layer supply.
 12. A system according to claim 9 whereinsaid at least one face layer supply comprises at least onemoisture-resistant face layer supply.
 13. A system according to claim 9wherein said former comprises a bevel shaper for forming the first majorsurface of the core material to have beveled portions adjacentrespective opposing longitudinal side edges.
 14. A system according toclaim 9 wherein said former further comprises an edge wrapper forsecuring the at least one face layer to extend around the opposinglongitudinal side edges.
 15. A system according to claim 9 furthercomprising a reinforcing fiber supply cooperating with said mixer foradding reinforcing fibers to the materials for making aerated concrete.